State Land

Tri-County State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

The 1,290-acre Tri-County State Forest is part of a network of adjacent and connecting state forests known as 46-Corners Management Area and is noted for its extreme annual snowfall totals. This area is relatively flat with a fair number of streams and wetlands scattered throughout. The state land is used for water quality protection, recreation, wildlife habitat and timber production. Also, the majority of roads passing through this area are not plowed in the winter.

It should be noted that there are also many small parcels of private land interspersed with state-owned land. Visitors should make certain that they stay on public land unless they have permission to cross onto the privately owned lands.

 

Featured Activities

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are no designated hiking trails on this state forest. There are old skid trails from past timber harvesting operations and old farm lanes from long ago that make for an enjoyable walk.

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

There are 5 protected trout streams that crisscross this state forest: Perry Brook, Spellicy Brook, Little River, Maloney Brook and Smith Brook. Parts of Smith Brook, Maloney Brook and the Little River flow through protected wetlands and may be difficult to access.

North Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

This area receives an average of about 124 inches of snow each year making this part of Oneida County a snowmobiler's dream. Most of the roads passing through this area are seasonal use roads that become snowmobile trails in the winter. The T.C. Riders Snowmobile Club maintain and groom the snowmobile trails on the unit through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Directions

This State Forest is admittedly difficult to find. The road names change at the Oneida/Oswego County Line and they change when you pass through the village of Florence. To make it even more challenging, many roads do not have road signs. The two main roads accessing this area are Graves Road and Osceola Road.

In the village of Florence, turn northeast onto the Osceola Road. At about 0.1 mile, veer right continuing on Osceola Road. At about 0.6 mile, stay left, staying on the Osceola Road. The Tri-County State Forest boundary is at 0.3 mile. The boundary line starts at about 1 mile from the village of Florence.

To find Graves Road, continue through the village of Florence on what is now the Redfield Road. Graves Road is the first right at about 1.3 miles. Continue north on Graves Road for about 0.9 mile to the boundary of state land.

  • Houlahan Road pull-off area (43.443045°N, 75.732647°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Tri-County State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property; however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the 46-Corners Unit Management Plan (UMP). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Florence, Osceola, Redfield and Camden.

Oneida County Tourism website can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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